Ergonomic grip for weed trimmer

ABSTRACT

The device herein is a gripping means that may reversibly attach to the main shaft of a standard weed trimmer or edger. The gripping means comprises an ergonomic handle positioned onto a shaft, a shaft that connects the ergonomic handle to a clamping means, and a clamping means that clamps the device onto the main shaft of a standard weed trimmer or edger. The gripping means positions a grip above the standard grip of the weed trimmer or edger. Alternately, the gripping means may position a grip perpendicular to the standard grip of the weed trimmer or edger.

(b) CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/762861 filed on May 24, 2018 and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/764427 filed on Aug. 2, 2018.

(c) DISCLOSURE REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINTINVENTOR.

The inventor has not disclosed this invention more than twelve monthsprior to the filing of a provisional application to which priority isclaimed.

(d) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention. This device is an attachment that a user caninstall onto the main shaft of a weed trimmer, edger, or the like. Theattachment may be installed by clamping it onto the length of the mainshaft. The attachment allows a user to ergonomically grip the weedtrimmer or edger so that the user maintains a more upright positionalleviating or reducing back strain and back injury.

(2) Disclosure of the Prior Art. A number of grass trimmer grips aredisclosed in the prior art for gripping a weed trimmer, edger, orsimilar device. All grass trimmers and grass edgers commerciallyavailable include a standard grip that creates a fulcrum point forcing auser to bend at the waist to trim grass, causing user fatigue.

Di Lallo (U.S. Pat. No. 9,918,429 B1) discloses an ergonomic trimmerhandle that attaches to the main shaft of a grass trimmer The trimmerhandle comprises a lateral bar that runs perpendicular to the mainshaft. The lateral bar extends out approximately two feet. This allows auser to grip both the attachment and the handle installed on the grasstrimmer The perpendicular configuration allows a user a more ergonomicgrip. This device provides a means for a user to manipulate a grasstrimmer with two hands. This device could not be used alone without thestandard grip. A standard grip requires a user to bend at the waist totrim the grass, causing user fatigue.

Smith et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,960) discloses a handle assembly thatprovides a forearm rest, a first handle in line with the forearm rest,and a second handle positioned to a side of the forearm rest and firsthandle. The device of Smith et al. allows a user to control a grasstrimmer using two hands while the forearm of the first handle acts as afulcrum for the device. Users of this device suffer from strain andfatigue along their forearm, which is maintained as the fulcrum of thedevice. Additionally, users suffer strain and fatigue at the waistbecause the device requires a user must rotate about the waist in asweeping motion to cut grass. Additionally, a user must use two hands tosweep the grass trimmer from side to side. It is often difficult for auser to devote both hands to operating a grass trimmer A user may haveto stop trimming grass, and put the device down to free up a hand. Thisdevice is difficult to use and requires coordination of both hands and auser's forearm to manipulate the device.

A device is needed that can allow a user to trim grass with a gas orelectric-powered grass trimmer without minimal waist and arm fatigue.Additionally, an ergonomic device is needed that does not force a userto rotate about the waist reducing waist fatigue.

(e) BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION.

This device comprises a handle attachment that may be reversibly coupledto an electric-powered or gas-powered grass trimmer, grass edger, orsimilar tool. The handle device includes an ergonomic grip that ispositioned above the standard grip provided with the grass trimmer oredger at purchase. The positioning of the ergonomic grip allows a userto hold the grass trimmer without bending at the waist. The handleattachment clamps or attaches to the main shaft of the grass trimmer oredger closer to the head of the grass trimmer or edger than the standardgrip provided with the tool at the time of purchase. The clamping of thedevice near the head of the grass trimmer or edger moves the fulcrum ofthe device down the length of the main shaft allowing a user to exertbetter control over the trimmer or edger during use, which also permitsthe ergonomic handle to be positioned above the standard grip providedat the time of purchase. If the fulcrum of the grass trimmer or edger isnot moved closer to the head of the tool, the ergonomic handle could notbe positioned closer to the body of a user because the device would beuncontrollable.

(f) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

The invention is described in detail below with reference to theappended drawings.

FIGS. 1 through 13 depict the Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer In theFigures:

FIG. 1 depicts a user operating a weed trimmer wherein the weed trimmerincludes a grip known in the prior art.

FIG. 2 depicts a user operating the weed trimmer of FIG. 1 wherein theErgonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer has been installed.

FIG. 3 depicts a user operating the weed trimmer of FIG. 1 wherein analternate embodiment of the Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer has beeninstalled.

FIG. 4 shows an angled, side view of the device of FIG. 2 with the weedtrimmer handle cut away.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a side, angled view of the device with an angled shaft whereinthe weed trimmer handle has been cut away.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the device of FIG. 9, while FIG. 12 is a sideview.

FIG. 13 is a side, angled view of the device of FIG. 9 with a “T” shapedergonomic handle.

(g) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail, several embodiments with the understanding that the presentdisclosure should be considered as an exemplification of the principlesof the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to theembodiments so illustrated. Further, to the extent that any numericalvalues or other specifics of materials, etc., are provided herein, theyare to be construed as exemplifications of the inventions herein, andthe inventions are not to be considered as limited thereto.

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not tobe construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certaininstances, well-known or conventional details are not described in orderto avoid obscuring the description. References to one, or an embodimentin the present disclosure, can be, but not necessarily, references tothe same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of theembodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment’ or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirementsfor some embodiments, but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in thespecific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used todescribe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in thespecification, to provide additional guidance to the practitionerregarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certainterms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotationmarks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaningof a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the samecontext, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated thatthe same term can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any oneor more of the terms discussed herein, or is any special significance tobe placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein.Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or moresynonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examplesanywhere in this specification, including examples of any termsdiscussed herein, is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scopeand meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, thedisclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in thisspecification.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, thepresent document, including definitions will control.

FIG. 1 depicts a commercially-available grass and weed trimmer beingutilized to trim grass. The handle device disclosed herein may be formedonto a new grass and weed trimmer before the point of first sale to aconsumer. Alternately, the handle device may be retrofitted onto a weedtrimmer or edger after first sale to a consumer. Note that hand 5 ofuser 2 grips standard grip 4 that is provided at the time of purchase ofthe grass trimmer User 2 places his or her right hand (not shown in FIG.1, only the left hand is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) on the end of thedevice that is opposite trimmer head 7. In order to place hand 5 uponstandard grip 4, user 2 must rotate about the waist in the B direction.The rotation of user 2 about the waist in the B direction causes stressand strain on the waist and back of user 2. A device is needed thatreduces the stress and strain upon the waist and back of user 2 byreducing or eliminating rotation in the B direction at the user's waistwhile operating a grass trimmer or edger.

The positioning of standard grip 4 along main shaft 16 of the grasstrimmer creates fulcrum F1 which is the fulcrum upon which trimmer head7 is manipulated while operating a grass trimmer or edger. The back ofuser 2 is rotated from line Y to line X forming angle A1 duringoperation of a grass trimmer or edger. Angle A1 is the angle formedbetween line Z, which is a line projected from the waist of user 2, andline Y, which is perpendicular to the ground upon which user 2 ispositioned. The rotation of user 2 about angle A1 causes stress andstrain upon the back and arm muscles of user 2. A device is needed thatreduces the stress and strain in user 2 that is caused by rotation aboutangle A1.

FIG. 2 illustrates user 2 with the Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmerattached to main shaft 16 of the grass trimmer (grass trimmer and weedtrimmer are used interchangeably). The Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmercomprises ergonomic grip 10, clamping mechanism 12, and shaft 14. Thedevice may be formed of aluminum, steel, fiberglass, or any materialthat is lightweight yet strong enough to support a grass trimmer orgrass edger. Ergonomic grip 10 can be formed for left or right-handedindividuals. Clamping mechanism 12 may be any means that couples thedevice onto main shaft 16 of a grass trimmer or edger. Clampingmechanism 12 may allow the device to be reversibly positioned along mainshaft 16 at a position and angle that allows user 2 to more comfortablyoperate the weed trimmer or edger. For example, ergonomic grip 10 may berotated in the D direction by altering the placement of clampingmechanism 12 about main shaft 16 so that ergonomic grip 10 is positionedto the side of standard grip 4. Ergonomic grip 10 may be positioned inthe E direction per user 2 preference so that the ergonomic grip 10 maybe parallel or perpendicular to standard grip 4. Ergonomic grip 10 maybe any means that allows a user to firmly and comfortably grip thedevice during use.

Hand 5 of user 2 is positioned upon ergonomic grip 10, which ispositioned above standard grip 4. The Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer isclamped onto main shaft 16 so that fulcrum F2 is positioned closer totrimmer head 7 than fulcrum Fl, which is formed at standard grip 4,allowing user 2 to have greater control over the movement of trimmerhead 7 while operating the weed trimmer or edger.

The distance between hand 5 of user 2 and main shaft 16 is marked lengthL2. Note that length L2 is significantly longer than length L1, which isthe length between a user's hand 5 while gripping standard grip 4 andmain shaft 16 (as shown in FIG. 1). The positioning of the ErgonomicGrip for Weed Trimmer device at length L2 reduces the angle which user 2must bend while trimming or edging, reducing stress and strain on theback of user 2. And, the positioning of a user's hand 5 about theErgonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer device eliminates the need for user 2 torotate about the waist as was seen in FIG. 1 wherein user 2 was grippingstandard grip 4 (rotation about B, FIG. 1).

The back of user 2 is rotated about angle A2. Angle A2 is the angleformed between line Z, which is a line projected from the waist of user2, and line Y, which is perpendicular to the ground upon which user 2 ispositioned. Note that angle A2 is smaller (fewer radians) than angle A1,which is the angle seen when a user is gripping the trimmer or edgerusing standard grip 4 (shown in FIG. 1). The change in the position ofthe back of user 2 from angle A1 to A2 reduces stress and strain on user2 allowing user 2 to operate the grass trimmer or edger for a longerperiod of time than when using standard grip 4.

Ergonomic grip 10 may be reversibly, or irreversibly, positioned alongmain shaft 16 via rotation of shaft 14 at clamping mechanism 12 aboutangle D. Angle D is the angle upon which the Ergonomic Grip for WeedTrimmer device may be rotated relative to standard grip 4 and main shaft16. This allows user 2 to position ergonomic grip 10 parallel,perpendicular, or any position between parallel and perpendicular, tostandard grip 4. Shaft 14 may be reversibly positioned along line E peruser 2 preference. Line E is the line upon which ergonomic grip 10 maybe positioned relative to standard grip 4 and main shaft 16. Positioningclamping mechanism 12 about main shaft 16 at fulcrum F2 allows shaft 14to be positioned and re-positioned along line E.

FIG. 3 depicts user 2 with an alternate embodiment of the Ergonomic Gripfor Weed Trimmer The Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer comprises ergonomicgrip 10, straight shaft 34 and clamping mechanism 12. Hand 5 of user 2is positioned upon ergonomic grip 10, which is positioned above standardgrip 4 providing user 2 with better control of trimmer head 7 whiletrimming and edging. The Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer is clamped ontomain shaft 16 so that fulcrum F2 is positioned closer to trimmer head 7than fulcrum Fl at standard grip 4. The distance between hand 5 of user2 and main shaft 16 is marked length L2. As noted for FIG. 2, length L2is significantly longer than length L1, which is the length between auser's hand 5 while gripping standard grip 4 and main shaft 16 (as shownin FIG. 1). Although the position of a user's hand 5 on standard grip 4requires user 2 to rotate about the waist when operating the grasstrimmer or edger (rotation about B, FIG. 1), a user 2 gripping ergonomicgrip 10 does not have to rotate about the waist, reducing stress andstrain upon his or her waist and back. The back of user 2 is rotatedabout angle A2. Angle A2 is the angle formed between line Z, which is aline projected from the waist of user 2, and line Y, which isperpendicular to the ground upon which user 2 is positioned. Aspreviously noted for FIG. 2, angle A2 is smaller (fewer radians) thanangle A1, reducing stress and strain on the back of user 2 whiletrimming and edging. The position of clasping mechanism 12 createsfulcrum F2 which allows a user to have greater control while weedtrimming or edging relative to fulcrum Fl formed at the point standardgrip 4 is positioned upon main shaft 16.

Ergonomic grip 10 may be reversibly, or irreversibly, positioned alongmain shaft 16 via rotation of straight shaft 34 at clamping mechanism 12about angle D. Angle D is the angle upon which the Ergonomic Grip forWeed Trimmer device may be rotated relative to standard grip 4 and mainshaft 16. This allows user 2 to position ergonomic grip 10 parallel,perpendicular, or any position between parallel and perpendicular, tostandard grip 4. Straight shaft 34 may be reversibly positioned alongline E per user 2 preference. Line E is the line upon which ergonomicgrip 10 may be positioned relative to standard grip 4 and main shaft 16.Positioning clamping mechanism 12 about main shaft 16 at fulcrum F2allows straight shaft 34 to be positioned and re-positioned along lineE.

FIG. 4 depicts the device herein attached to main shaft 16 of a grasstrimmer or grass edger wherein that portion wherein the device iscoupled to main shaft 16 has been cut away from the device. Ergonomicgrip 10 is formed to be easily and strongly gripped by a user withoutcausing fatigue and/or strain. Ergonomic grip 10 is shown positionedabove main shaft 16 and perpendicular to main shaft 16. Clampingmechanism 12 may be any mechanism that allows the device to be coupledfirmly to main shaft 16. The point wherein clamping mechanism 12 clampsonto main shaft 16 is fulcrum F2 upon which the user manipulates trimmerhead 7. Shaft 14 runs the length from clamping mechanism 12 to ergonomicgrip 10. Shaft 14 may be curved to allow a user to place a second handupon the device to enable a user to manipulate the grass trimmer orgrass edger in a sweeping manner. Shaft 14 is formed so that ergonomicgrip 10 is positioned above or to the side of main shaft 16.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the device of FIG. 4. Clamping mechanism 12couples the device to main shaft 16. Ergonomic grip 10 is shownperpendicular to main shaft 16. But, a user may rotate shaft 14 so thatergonomic grip 10 is parallel to main shaft 16, or some position betweenperpendicular and parallel, as noted above. Shaft 14 includes curvedsegments 13 and 15 that are connected to each other by second handle 17,which allows a user to place a hand upon the shaft when needed to permitbetter control over the movement of the grass trimmer or edger.

A bottom view of the device is shown in FIG. 7. Note that ergonomic grip10 is perpendicular to second handle 17. Curved segments 13 and 15 curvefrom ergonomic grip 10 and clamping mechanism 12, respectively, tosecond handle 17. A side view of the device of FIG. 5 is shown in FIG.8. Ergonomic grip 10 is perpendicular to both main shaft 16 and secondhandle 17. Clamping mechanism 12 clamps the device onto main shaft 16.Curved segments 13 and 15 allow second handle 17 to run parallel to mainshaft 16.

An angled, side view of an alternate embodiment of the device withangled shaft 24 cut away from main shaft 16 of the grass trimmer isshown in FIG. 9. Ergonomic grip 10 is perpendicular to main shaft 16.Clamping mechanism 12 clamps the device onto main shaft 16. Clampingmechanism 12 may be reversibly clamped onto main shaft 16 in any desiredposition including at an angle extending perpendicular to standard grip4 (not shown). Alternatively, the device may be clamped onto main shaft16 so that ergonomic grip 10 is parallel to standard grip 4 (shown inFIGS. 2 and 3). Angled shaft 24 allows ergonomic grip 10 to bepositioned above or to the side of standard grip 4. Angled shaft 24 maybe formed at an angle less than perpendicular so that ergonomic grip 10may be gripped by a user so that the user's hand is perpendicular tomain shaft 16. Angled shaft 24 may be composed of aluminum, steel, orany other material of sufficient strength to support the operation of aweed trimmer or edger. And, angled shaft 24 may be coated with amaterial to make it easier for a user to grip along the length of angledshaft 24.

An exploded view of FIG. 9 is depicted in FIG. 10. Angled shaft 24 iscoupled to ergonomic shaft 21 and clamping shaft 27. Ergonomic grip 10is positioned onto ergonomic shaft 21. Clamping shaft 27 fits withinclamping mechanism 12. Clamping mechanism 12 fits onto main shaft 16 ofthe trimmer/edger device. Angled shaft 24 positions ergonomic grip 10 sothat a user may grip the weed trimmer or edger device with less stressand strain on a user's back and waist than with a standard weed trimmeror edger grip.

FIG. 11 shows a top view of the device of FIG. 3, while FIG. 12 depictsa side view. FIG. 11 illustrates straight shaft 34 positioning ergonomicgrip 10 perpendicular to main shaft 16. Ergonomic grip 10 is formed ontoor coupled with ergonomic shaft 21. Straight shaft 34 connects ergonomicgrip 10 to clamping shaft 27. Straight shaft 34 extends ergonomic grip10 above main shaft 16. Clamping mechanism 12 may be reversiblypositioned along main shaft 16 positioning ergonomic grip 10 in aposition that is comfortable during operation of the trimmer or edger.Additionally, clamping mechanism 12 may be positioned about main shaft16 so that ergonomic grip 10 is either parallel, perpendicular, or someposition between parallel and perpendicular relative to standard grip 4.The position that a user grips ergonomic grip 10 may be manipulatedrelative to main shaft 16 by rotating clamping shaft 27 within clampingmechanism 12, which alters the angle that a user grips the device.

Clamping mechanism 12 permits the device to be reversibly coupled tomain shaft 16. Both ergonomic shaft 21 and clamping shaft 27 may runperpendicular to main shaft 16. FIG. 12 depicts ergonomic grip 10 aboveand perpendicular to main shaft 16. The angle of the device relative tomain shaft 16 may be manipulated by rotating clamping shaft 27 withinclamping mechanism 12.

A side, angled view of the device of FIG. 9 with a “T” shaped handle isshown in FIG. 13. Angled shaft 24 includes two ergonomic grips 10opposite each other forming a “T” shape. The “T” shape allows a user tohave more flexibility in gripping the weed trimmer or edger duringoperation. Ergonomic grip 10 and clamping shaft 27 are parallel to eachother and perpendicular to angled shaft 24. Clamping mechanism 12 issecured onto clamping shaft 27.

I hereby claim: (1) A handle attachment for attaching to a main shaft ofa weed trimmer or edger comprising: a clamping mechanism that attachesthe handle attachment onto the main shaft of the weed trimmer or edger,a gripping means to grip the handle attachment, wherein the grippingmeans may be rotated at an angle with respect to a plane which passesthrough the main shaft, wherein the gripping means may be rotated aboutthe clamping mechanism, and a handle shaft that connects the clampingmechanism to the gripping means, wherein the handle shaft is formed sothat the gripping means is positioned above the main shaft of the weedtrimmer or edger or to the side of the main shaft of the weed trimmer oredger relative to a plane which passes through the main shaft of theweed trimmer or edger. (2) The device of claim 1 wherein the clampingmechanism is reversibly coupled to the main shaft of the weed trimmer oredger. (3) The device of claim 1 wherein the handle shaft is rotatedwithin the clamping mechanism positioning the handle shaft above themain shaft of the weed trimmer or edger relative to a plane which passesthrough the main shaft of the weed trimmer or edger. (4) The device ofclaim 1 wherein the clamping mechanism is coupled to the main shaft ofthe weed trimmer or edger positioning the gripping means above the mainshaft of the weed trimmer or edger relative to a plane which passesthrough the main shaft of the weed trimmer or edger. (5) The device ofclaim 1 wherein the clamping mechanism is coupled to the main shaft ofthe weed trimmer or edger positioning the gripping means to the side ofthe main shaft of the weed trimmer or edger relative to a plane whichpasses through the main shaft of the weed trimmer or edger. (6) Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the handle shaft comprises a first end capableof attaching to the clamping mechanism and a second end that is orientedat an angle less than ninety degrees with respect to a plane whichpasses through the main shaft of the weed trimmer or edger, wherein thesecond end attaches to the gripping means. (7) The device of claim 1wherein the handle shaft comprises a first end capable of attaching tothe clamping mechanism and a second end that attaches to the grippingmeans, wherein a user of the handle attachment grips the second endwithout rotating about the waist. (8) The device of claim 1 wherein thehandle shaft comprises a first end capable of attaching to the clampingmechanism and a second end that attaches to the gripping means, whereina user of the handle attachment grips the second end without bendingabout the waist. (9) A handle attachment for attaching to a main shaftof a weed trimmer or edger comprising: a clamping mechanism thatattaches the handle attachment onto the main shaft of the weed trimmeror edger, a gripping means to grip the handle attachment, and a handleshaft that connects the clamping mechanism to the gripping means,wherein the clamping mechanism is attached onto the main shaft of a weedtrimmer or edger creating a fulcrum between the gripping means and atrimmer means or edger means, wherein the fulcrum is positioned on themain shaft of the weed trimmer or edger, wherein the fulcrum ispositioned at a point between the gripping means and the trimmer meansor edger means, and wherein the gripping means controls the movement ofthe trimmer means or edger means about the fulcrum. (10) The device ofclaim 9 wherein the clamping mechanism is reversibly coupled to the mainshaft of the weed trimmer or edger. (11) The device of claim 9 whereinthe handle shaft is rotated within the clamping mechanism positioningthe handle shaft above the main shaft of the weed trimmer or edgerrelative to a plane which passes through the main shaft of the weedtrimmer or edger. (12) The device of claim 9 wherein the clampingmechanism is coupled to the main shaft of the weed trimmer or edgerpositioning the gripping means above the main shaft of the weed trimmeror edger relative to a plane which passes through the main shaft of theweed trimmer or edger. (13) The device of claim 9 wherein the clampingmechanism is coupled to the main shaft of the weed trimmer or edgerpositioning the gripping means to the side of the main shaft of the weedtrimmer or edger relative to a plane which passes through the main shaftof the weed trimmer or edger. (14) The device of claim 9 wherein thehandle shaft comprises a first end capable of attaching to the clampingmechanism and a second end that is oriented at an angle less than ninetydegrees with respect to a plane which passes through the main shaft ofthe weed trimmer or edger, wherein the second end attaches to thegripping means. (15) The device of claim 9 wherein the handle shaftcomprises a first end capable of attaching to the clamping mechanism anda second end that attaches to the gripping means, wherein a user of thehandle attachment grips the second end without rotating about the waist.(16) The device of claim 9 wherein the handle shaft comprises a firstend capable of attaching to the clamping mechanism and a second end thatattaches to the gripping means, wherein a user of the handle attachmentgrips the second end without bending about the waist.